There is no doubt that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to extraordinary levels of uncertainty for both employees and employers, across every sector.

Despite the recent extension of the Job Retention Scheme until October, as well as the best efforts of trade unions - fighting to protect members’ employment - workplaces will inevitably be faced with the prospect of job losses and redundancies.

As we have already seen in the aviation industry, the proposed cuts and losses to workforces are on a frighteningly large and unseen scale. These aren’t isolated incidents either, and inevitably workforce cuts will lead to settlement agreements that can record termination terms.

How can Thompsons Solicitors help?

Thompsons Solicitors’ Settlement Agreement Unit is dedicated to advising union members during this process, guiding them through the implications of what they are agreeing to.

The team has decades of experience supporting union members in both individual claims, all the way up to mass redundancy claims, across sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, technology and the public sector.

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we have been able to advise 100 union members – all employed by one company in the aviation sector – to reach a successful resolution through videoconferencing meetings and electronic sign off to ensure safe social distancing.

Employers will often present proposals and request a signed agreement within a very short timeframe, sometimes in a matter of days. Our settlement agreements team can offer advice within 48 hours of a request to ensure union members have ample time to make a decision.

Not only can we support with the negotiation of terms of these agreements, but we can suggest arrangements to be put in place, even at short notice, to ensure members have access to our advice.

Find out more about Thompsons’ specialists

Our specialist lawyers, Emilie Blackman and Natalie Hunt, have a wealth of experience in handling individual and large-scale workplace redundancies.

To contact our team: 07929 015230

Emilie Blackman – 07929 015230 or emilieblackman@thompsons.law.co.uk

Natalie Hunt - 07989 684994 or nataliehunt@thompsons.law.co.uk